GLP-1 Medications Explained: Benefits, Risks, and What You Should Know
By Wendy Francis, NBC-HWC, Board-Certified Cognitive Health Coach
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are a class of prescription drugs originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes. Over time, researchers discovered that these medications also support significant weight loss, which has led to their widespread use for obesity treatment.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut. This hormone plays an important role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and digestion.
Popular GLP-1 medications include semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are now widely prescribed for both diabetes and weight management.
Why Are GLP-1 Medications Everywhere Right Now?
In recent years, obesity rates have continued to rise, and many people have struggled to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes alone. GLP-1 medications have shown strong short-term success in helping people reduce body weight, often by 10 to 20 percent or more.
Social media exposure, celebrity use, and aggressive marketing have also contributed to their popularity. As a result, these medications have become highly visible in both medical offices and online health conversations.
Because of their effectiveness, demand has increased rapidly, leading to supply shortages and high costs.
Why Is the Government Pushing to Lower Prices?
The current administration has expressed concern over the rising cost of prescription medications, including GLP-1 drugs. Monthly costs can range from several hundred to over one thousand dollars without insurance coverage.
Because obesity and diabetes contribute significantly to healthcare spending, policymakers see affordable access to effective treatments as a way to reduce long-term medical costs.
Efforts to negotiate prices and expand insurance coverage are intended to make these medications more accessible to people who medically qualify for them.
How Do GLP-1 Medications Work in the Body?
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone. They influence several systems in the body:
- They increase insulin production when blood sugar rises
- They reduce the release of glucagon, which lowers blood sugar
- They slow stomach emptying, helping you feel full longer
- They send appetite-suppressing signals to the brain
Together, these effects reduce hunger, decrease food intake, and stabilize blood sugar levels.
What Are the Potential Health Benefits?
For appropriate candidates, GLP-1 medications may provide several benefits:
- Significant weight loss
- Improved blood sugar control
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular events in some patients
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol in certain individuals
- Improved insulin sensitivity
Many people also report better energy levels and mobility as weight decreases.
What Are the Possible Risks and Side Effects?
While GLP-1 medications can be effective, they are not without risks. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Acid reflux
- Loss of appetite
More serious concerns may include:
- Gallbladder problems
- Pancreatitis
- Muscle loss if protein intake is inadequate
- Nutrient deficiencies due to reduced food intake
- Potential thyroid risks in animal studies
Some individuals experience emotional or behavioral changes related to appetite suppression and altered eating patterns.
Do GLP-1 Medications Fix the Root Problem?
One important concern is that GLP-1 medications primarily manage symptoms rather than underlying causes of weight gain.
Many people struggle with weight due to:
- Poor sleep
- Chronic stress
- Hormonal imbalance
- Ultra-processed diets
- Emotional eating
- Low muscle mass
- Sedentary lifestyle
Without addressing these root factors, weight regain is common after stopping medication.
Are GLP-1 Medications Too New to Fully Understand?
While GLP-1 drugs have been used in diabetes care for over a decade, their widespread use for long-term weight management is relatively recent.
Most studies currently focus on short to medium-term outcomes. Long-term effects on metabolism, muscle mass, mental health, and digestive function are still being studied.
Because of this, medical experts continue to monitor safety data and update prescribing guidelines.
Who Might Benefit and Who Should Be Cautious?
GLP-1 medications may be appropriate for individuals who:
- Have Type 2 diabetes
- Have obesity with related health conditions
- Have struggled with weight despite consistent lifestyle efforts
- Are medically supervised
They may not be appropriate for individuals who:
- Have a history of eating disorders
- Have certain thyroid conditions
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have digestive disorders
Medical screening is essential before starting any medication.
My Professional Recommendation
While GLP-1 medications may be helpful for some individuals, my personal recommendation is always to return to the basics first. Adding more pills or injections to the body can affect multiple systems and may carry long-term risks that we do not yet fully understand. Just because something is naturally produced in the body does not automatically mean supplementing it is harmless. For example, melatonin is a hormone your body makes naturally, yet regular supplementation can reduce your body’s ability to produce it on its own over time. The same principle applies here. Supporting your body’s natural balance through nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and mindset is often the safest and most sustainable path.
I have worked with clients who have used GLP-1 medications and found that if the root issues are not addressed, such as stress eating, emotional eating, or using food to fill a void, those patterns do not disappear. Appetite may be suppressed, but the underlying struggle remains. That is why cognitive coaching and a true back-to-basics approach are so important. When we work on the whole person, not just weight, clients begin sleeping better, feeling more energized, moving more comfortably, experiencing fewer aches and pains, and reducing inflammation. This is the kind of transformation that lasts and impacts every area of life, not just appetite control.
Ready for a Personalized Health Strategy?
GLP-1 medications are only one piece of the health puzzle. True wellness comes from understanding your metabolism, habits, nutrition, sleep, and mindset.
If you are ready to stop chasing trends and start building real, sustainable wellness, I invite you to explore the Back to Basics Program and begin your journey toward lifelong health.
Final Thoughts
GLP-1 medications can be powerful tools when used appropriately and under medical supervision. However, they are not magic solutions.
Long-term success depends on building healthy routines around nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and mindset.
Before starting any medication, it is important to understand both the benefits and the responsibilities that come with it.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Wendy Francis is not providing medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or health program.
Sources
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes.
- National Institutes of Health. Obesity and Weight Management Research.
- New England Journal of Medicine. Semaglutide and Weight Loss Studies.
- Journal of the American Medical Association. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Review.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity and Chronic Disease Data.
- Food and Drug Administration. GLP-1 Drug Safety Information.
© Wendy Francis | Board-Certified Cognitive Health Coach | HealthCoachWendy.com